U.P. state parks plan meteor show events

August 4, 2013

MARQUETTE - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer an opportunity to learn more about the night sky and experience a significant meteor shower when an award winning astronomy program returns to some Upper Peninsula state parks later this week.

The "Meteors and S'mores" astronomy programs will be offered at five state parks in the U.P. during the Perseid Meteor Shower, which is the most highly visible meteor shower of the year. The meteor shower occurs Friday through Aug. 13, with its peak on Aug. 12.

The DNR events will include night sky presentations and all the ingredients for s'mores around a campfire.

"The program provides a fun and educational opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the night sky and learn about stargazing," the DNR said in a press release.

Last year, the program received the Innovative Recreation Programming award from the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association.

"Best viewing of meteor showers takes place after midnight, so be sure to bring some lawn chairs, bug spray and maybe a few roasting sticks for enjoying s'mores," the DNR said.